Skipping the car would save over $900. I've done a cardboard box which allowed me to recycle at the airport and ride my gravel bike with luggage straight into town. You can certainly find something for a similar price in Bassano del Grappo, but probably not as big and definitely not with a pool. To each their own, but it's important to mention in a price breakdown, that this is the easy luxury format of planning your own adventure. I flew to Barcelona, cycled from there to Lyon in about 8 days, and spent no more than $100 per day. Trains would have been available almost everywhere as a backup plan.
Oh, totally. This is considered luxury, keep in mind that I have to keep my better half happy too. I have done the cardboard and ride from the airport deal, but that’s really not for everyone. Thanks for the comment 👍
Visit Thailand! I did a 12 day cycling tour in 2022 and it was a lot of fun and convenient. However, since I’ve been cycling on my own more and more, the idea of exploring and navigating through Thailand or other countries, is appealing and cost effective! Btw, I’m also from the NY/NJ area! Happy riding.
Thanks for the helpful info. Regarding bike theft, there’s always the option of insurance, but then it’s an extra expense that everyone can decide themselves.
My wife and I do our own bike travel. It’s far more adventurous and we create our own itinerary depending on how we feel weather etc. We just did 10 days in Calpe. No tour guide required. Strava route creator and some google maps and good to go. We even found some side roads that made us feel like we were exploring the region.
I've planned a solo cycling holiday for next summer and as a 17 year old with very limited budget, i've decided to go on a bikepacking route instead. I'll be cycling the rhine cycle route (eurovelo 15) plus some more to get all the way home (near to london). As long as i book far enough in advance, the total cost for a flight (bike as my only hold luggage) and train is less that £110 and the ferry back to England from the port of rotterdam is £55. I'll be stealth camping most of the way with a couple of budget hostel stops in basel and cologne to freshen up and do some sightseeing. The biggest expenditure will be food over the 18 day trip and in total (excluding kit) i expect to spend about £300 total on food, much of which will be pre-prepared.
Something to consider.... European bikes are set up with the front/rear brake levers connected to the other way to what you may be used to i.e left hand is for front wheel and right hand for rear wheel
In the last 2 weeks of June 2024, We just did a Sea to Sea in the Pyrénées, on the Francevside for $80/day. 3 riders shared room. This includes food, hotel, tolls, gas. Just add rental car
I partially agree with you, my friend from California had his bike crashed during the way back (9k$ bike!) and he had only a partial small refound. So my personal taste is to rent a bike anyway, seen all the risks. Then a local guide can work with groups or with just you and can customize the ride in real time, also a local guide can show you all the "less famous" stuff. Also, for my experience, not many people is able to organize and plan a trip in a foreign country, you risk to miss something and if you're in trouble (mech issues, lost credit cards, if you fall...) you're on your own. So I'm saying it's not only a matter of money, but also it's about the different experience and you need to think to much less stuff.
A $9K bike is hardly a "touring bike". It would be a high-end road bike. It would be fun to ride my road bike in Europe but It would be a series of shorter day-rides as I can't put racks and panniers on the carbon frame. I'm in the process of buying a proper touring bike. That is a steel frame, triple chainring, 36 spoke wheels and the ability to add 60 pounds of "stuff" that would be needed on a month-long ride. I think I might spend about $1400 for the bike. Yes I could ship my road bike and do rides every day the start and end from the same place but we don't call that "touring".
Perfect. Do it, as long as you are not hitting the main European vacation time (August) you should be good to go 👍 You can still do August, but you might need to plan ahead with reservations in certain regions. Have fun 👍
I sometimes do the first night/last night close to airport and leave bike box/packing materials in that hotel thing. Works best in family run hotels because they are their own boss. I ask before I book if they could look after my bike box until I will stay with them again before leaving...
That only works if you make a loop route or take a train back. I think it more economical to book two one-way flights. ANy city with and international airport will have bike shops (and boxes)
Not sure about the theft part. The baggage fee is $ 200.- if you don't have a bike box, maybe renting is better. Or get a cardboard box. (i have done this many times) Thank you for the feedback. Cheers :)
Damn, I'm so happy to live in germany. Do I want to do outdoor sports(most are good) in France, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Austria? Everything is like a 12h drive(tops) away😂 And I can pack in/on my car whatever I want without the fear of some idiot company losing my several thousands worth of material
Ok, that’s not a fair comparison. We have great riding here in the USA and Canada. If you are in Europe you need to compare this to a cycling trip to Moab or BC, etc…. Thanks for the comment. 👍👍👍
I clicked on the link for accommodations but there's really nothing available just pictures none of the links work can't see the price you can't see the map do you have a better link?
Different room, same place www.expedia.com/Fara-Vicentino-Hotels-Apartment.h75674295.Hotel-Information?bedroom_count_gt=&chain=&chkin=1%2F17%2F2024&chkout=1%2F24%2F2024&daysInFuture=&destType=BOUNDING_BOX&destination=Marostica%2C%20Veneto%2C%20Italy&endDate=1%2F24%2F2024&expediaPropertyId=&group=&guestRating=&highlightedPropertyId=&hotelName=&latLong=45.745964%2C11.658392&misId=&neighborhood=&petsIncluded=false&poi=&pricing_group=&pwa_ts=1697992293432&referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXhwZWRpYS5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo®ionId=6049405&rm1=a2&roomIndex=&searchId=6d9325df-9540-4e63-b6bc-b52e465db005&selected=&sort=RECOMMENDED&startDate=1%2F17%2F2024&stayLength=&theme=&us_bathroom_count_gt=&useRewards=false&userIntent=&vacationRentalsOnly=false&x_pwa=1
Thanks for the great video. We went to Italy early last summer and stayed in Vicenza, not far from where you were. Our experience was almost identical to yours. We chose Vicenza because it is a smaller city and not a tourist magnet. Our expenses were less than we had budgeted. I noted that almost 50% of the MTBs and gravel bikes at the cafes were e-assist. This allowed access to the trails for a lot of people who otherwise may not have been able to participate. Another tip: AirTag in the bike box.
Car rentals have a much larger deductible than what is included in USA. Has me nervous about renting a car. I think I'd be responsible for first $2000 or maybe more of damage. No reason to take a tour though. I don't need somebody to be my mommy.
Whenever I rent a car in Europe, I get insurance, not with them but with my local insurance company (in the Netherlands), the max that I have to pay with damage is about €250 I believe, definitely not $2000. Insurance with the rental company is a bit more expensive but also worth it.
I stopped watching when you rented a CAR and stayed in the same hotel for a week. I thought this video would be about bicycle touring where the luggage is carried by bike along a route for a week, Actualy a week is too short. If you go for a longer time the cost per day is reduced as the airfare is spread over more days.
Skipping the car would save over $900. I've done a cardboard box which allowed me to recycle at the airport and ride my gravel bike with luggage straight into town. You can certainly find something for a similar price in Bassano del Grappo, but probably not as big and definitely not with a pool.
To each their own, but it's important to mention in a price breakdown, that this is the easy luxury format of planning your own adventure. I flew to Barcelona, cycled from there to Lyon in about 8 days, and spent no more than $100 per day. Trains would have been available almost everywhere as a backup plan.
Oh, totally. This is considered luxury, keep in mind that I have to keep my better half happy too. I have done the cardboard and ride from the airport deal, but that’s really not for everyone. Thanks for the comment 👍
Visit Thailand! I did a 12 day cycling tour in 2022 and it was a lot of fun and convenient. However, since I’ve been cycling on my own more and more, the idea of exploring and navigating through Thailand or other countries, is appealing and cost effective! Btw, I’m also from the NY/NJ area! Happy riding.
Thanks for the helpful info.
Regarding bike theft, there’s always the option of insurance, but then it’s an extra expense that everyone can decide themselves.
I love your channel. Just subscribed! Thanks for the amazing tips too😊
I travel with my bike often, no need to rent a car, I have my bike, Watch out for Lufthansa airlines their bike charge is $300!
Very helpful and encouraging information, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
My wife and I do our own bike travel. It’s far more adventurous and we create our own itinerary depending on how we feel weather etc. We just did 10 days in Calpe. No tour guide required. Strava route creator and some google maps and good to go. We even found some side roads that made us feel like we were exploring the region.
That’s awesome. Calpe? I’ll have to research this. Thanks
I've planned a solo cycling holiday for next summer and as a 17 year old with very limited budget, i've decided to go on a bikepacking route instead. I'll be cycling the rhine cycle route (eurovelo 15) plus some more to get all the way home (near to london). As long as i book far enough in advance, the total cost for a flight (bike as my only hold luggage) and train is less that £110 and the ferry back to England from the port of rotterdam is £55. I'll be stealth camping most of the way with a couple of budget hostel stops in basel and cologne to freshen up and do some sightseeing. The biggest expenditure will be food over the 18 day trip and in total (excluding kit) i expect to spend about £300 total on food, much of which will be pre-prepared.
That sounds awesome. I don’t consider the food as part of the expense as you most likely eat when not on vacation. Have fun, take pictures 👍👍👍
Something to consider.... European bikes are set up with the front/rear brake levers connected to the other way to what you may be used to i.e left hand is for front wheel and right hand for rear wheel
In the last 2 weeks of June 2024, We just did a Sea to Sea in the Pyrénées, on the Francevside for $80/day. 3 riders shared room.
This includes food, hotel, tolls, gas. Just add rental car
I partially agree with you, my friend from California had his bike crashed during the way back (9k$ bike!) and he had only a partial small refound. So my personal taste is to rent a bike anyway, seen all the risks.
Then a local guide can work with groups or with just you and can customize the ride in real time, also a local guide can show you all the "less famous" stuff. Also, for my experience, not many people is able to organize and plan a trip in a foreign country, you risk to miss something and if you're in trouble (mech issues, lost credit cards, if you fall...) you're on your own.
So I'm saying it's not only a matter of money, but also it's about the different experience and you need to think to much less stuff.
A $9K bike is hardly a "touring bike". It would be a high-end road bike. It would be fun to ride my road bike in Europe but It would be a series of shorter day-rides as I can't put racks and panniers on the carbon frame. I'm in the process of buying a proper touring bike. That is a steel frame, triple chainring, 36 spoke wheels and the ability to add 60 pounds of "stuff" that would be needed on a month-long ride. I think I might spend about $1400 for the bike. Yes I could ship my road bike and do rides every day the start and end from the same place but we don't call that "touring".
Hi, sweet vid! What do you think about spending multiple weeks riding the whole country with a touring setup?
Perfect. Do it, as long as you are not hitting the main European vacation time (August) you should be good to go 👍 You can still do August, but you might need to plan ahead with reservations in certain regions. Have fun 👍
@@cyclingskillsWe will be there in May/June! Very excited; just watching lots of vids like yours to get ideas.
Really a nice man. you invited your daughter to the trip.👍
Haha 😄 can you believe she is older than me. Should have used more lotion.
@@cyclingskills oops 😅
That’s my life summed up on a bike
You are travelling with your spouse, so for each person the hotel cost should be only half. Same half thing for rental car, diesel, and tolls.
Well, that all depends on your marriage 😜 hahaha- cheers - so many ways to split up these expenses. Thanks 🙏
For one person,to compare with a cycling tour, how about dividing the car, hotel ,gas and tolls by 2? $1641 for 7 days including ,$684 flight
I sometimes do the first night/last night close to airport and leave bike box/packing materials in that hotel thing. Works best in family run hotels because they are their own boss. I ask before I book if they could look after my bike box until I will stay with them again before leaving...
That only works if you make a loop route or take a train back. I think it more economical to book two one-way flights. ANy city with and international airport will have bike shops (and boxes)
Try Spain, Andalusia instead - much cheaper location. Car rent in winter is less 20 USD per day.
Hi! What is your recommendation por rent a bike in Italy ? Thank you, sorry for my English.
go and contact the local bike shop where you will be in Italy. They will most likely be the best and cheapest source for a bike rental.
If stolen, rental bike might be covered? And a bike shipping box is > $200?
Not sure about the theft part. The baggage fee is $ 200.- if you don't have a bike box, maybe renting is better. Or get a cardboard box. (i have done this many times) Thank you for the feedback. Cheers :)
Damn, I'm so happy to live in germany. Do I want to do outdoor sports(most are good) in France, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Austria? Everything is like a 12h drive(tops) away😂 And I can pack in/on my car whatever I want without the fear of some idiot company losing my several thousands worth of material
Lucky. In Canada it's a 12 hour drive just to get to the next closest city.
Ok, that’s not a fair comparison. We have great riding here in the USA and Canada. If you are in Europe you need to compare this to a cycling trip to Moab or BC, etc…. Thanks for the comment. 👍👍👍
Any recommendation for road cycling routes while staying in one location?
I clicked on the link for accommodations but there's really nothing available just pictures none of the links work can't see the price you can't see the map do you have a better link?
Different room, same place www.expedia.com/Fara-Vicentino-Hotels-Apartment.h75674295.Hotel-Information?bedroom_count_gt=&chain=&chkin=1%2F17%2F2024&chkout=1%2F24%2F2024&daysInFuture=&destType=BOUNDING_BOX&destination=Marostica%2C%20Veneto%2C%20Italy&endDate=1%2F24%2F2024&expediaPropertyId=&group=&guestRating=&highlightedPropertyId=&hotelName=&latLong=45.745964%2C11.658392&misId=&neighborhood=&petsIncluded=false&poi=&pricing_group=&pwa_ts=1697992293432&referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXhwZWRpYS5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo®ionId=6049405&rm1=a2&roomIndex=&searchId=6d9325df-9540-4e63-b6bc-b52e465db005&selected=&sort=RECOMMENDED&startDate=1%2F17%2F2024&stayLength=&theme=&us_bathroom_count_gt=&useRewards=false&userIntent=&vacationRentalsOnly=false&x_pwa=1
Here it is on the map maps.app.goo.gl/55xrGZ75HotPa5sC7?g_st=ic
Grazie! @@cyclingskills
Thanks for the great video. We went to Italy early last summer and stayed in Vicenza, not far from where you were. Our experience was almost identical to yours. We chose Vicenza because it is a smaller city and not a tourist magnet. Our expenses were less than we had budgeted. I noted that almost 50% of the MTBs and gravel bikes at the cafes were e-assist. This allowed access to the trails for a lot of people who otherwise may not have been able to participate.
Another tip: AirTag in the bike box.
Car rentals have a much larger deductible than what is included in USA. Has me nervous about renting a car. I think I'd be responsible for first $2000 or maybe more of damage. No reason to take a tour though. I don't need somebody to be my mommy.
Whenever I rent a car in Europe, I get insurance, not with them but with my local insurance company (in the Netherlands), the max that I have to pay with damage is about €250 I believe, definitely not $2000. Insurance with the rental company is a bit more expensive but also worth it.
that's not expensive (for Europeans) for sure! 😅
I stopped watching when you rented a CAR and stayed in the same hotel for a week. I thought this video would be about bicycle touring where the luggage is carried by bike along a route for a week, Actualy a week is too short. If you go for a longer time the cost per day is reduced as the airfare is spread over more days.